Before there was a state, there was a fair. From the days of the first Nebraska State Fair along the banks of the Missouri River to the present 11-day show, the Fair has always been a joyful occasion for all.

After moving between Nebraska City, Brownville, Lincoln and Omaha, in 1901 the Legislature selected Lancaster County Fairgrounds as the permanent site for the annual Nebraska State Fair. Today the fairgrounds are located within the city limits of the state capital in Lincoln.

Since those formative years, the Nebraska State Fair has grown and continues to showcase the talent, products and people of Nebraska. To many, the fair was the main social event of the year. A place to meet distant neighbors, learn from others, while enjoying national and local entertainment.

During 1873, the State Agricultural Society offered 16 Nebraska farms as premiums for an essay contest entitled “Nebraska - Her Natural Advantages and Resources.” The 16 farms of 40 acres each were valued from a high of $16 an acre, totaling $640, down to a 40-acre parcel of land valued at $1.25 an acre. All was described as “first-class Nebraska land.” Sixty-four entries were received in the contest. The winner of the top-rated 40 acres was J. A. MacMurphy.

Although the fair is a festive occasion, mother-nature has literally, “rained on our parade,” several times. Nebraska is known for her unpredictable weather, and fair time is not excluded from this unstable environment. The fair has never been delayed or canceled due to the weather, however there have been huge deficits directly related to downpours and droughts. Through rain and shine, loyal fairgoers brave the elements to continue the tradition of the Nebraska State Fair.

There have been many changes throughout the years, however one theme remains constant; Fair time is a time to celebrate Nebraska’s Pride. It is a time of competition between boys and girls, a time for friends and neighbors to reflect upon their achievements and accomplishments from the past year.

The Nebraska State Fair offers hundreds of attractions including many entertainers, exhibits, midway rides and delicious food. With a history older than the state itself, the Nebraska State Fair combines tradition with innovation to produce an educational and exciting event for the entire family.

Since those formative years, the Nebraska State Fair has grown and continues to showcase the talent, products and people of Nebraska. To many, the Nebraska State Fair was the main social event of the year, to see and be seen. A place to meet and learn from others. To enjoy entertainment and to celebrate. Those before us saw the Nebraska State Fair as a worthwhile investment by pursuing a permanent site and continuing the tradition.